Despite encountering various challenges – including commodity price volatility closely linked to global economic conditions and supply chain dynamics – metallurgy and process engineering company Multotec Botswana remains committed to pursuing strategic growth and expanding its reach in the country.

Multotec Botswana is committed to complying with relevant legislation in Botswana, including the Economic Inclusion Act, which came into operation in 2022. Further, it fully supports the Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme, which is aimed at creating an enabling business environment and promoting citizen participation in the development of the country’s economy, says GM James Phagane.

Through partnerships with a number of 100% citizen subcontractors in previous contracts, Multotec Botswana ensures that the company acquires the necessary skills in the process.

“In our endeavor to support the local mining industry, we continue to collaborate with citizen companies whenever possible and this helps us ensure our clients continue to get our best service and support either directly or indirectly,” adds Phagane.

However, he expresses concern about the legislation’s impact on jobs, emphasising the importance of partnerships and collaboration between citizen and non-citizen-owned companies in mitigating such impact.

Industrywide Challenges
Multotec Botswana has “not been spared from the impact of the suppressed global diamond sales”, which has impacted cash flows for the company’s customers in the diamond mining sector, notes Phagane.

Despite these challenges, the company has remained committed to supporting its clients in cost-saving initiatives.

Further, serving mines across all commodities, Multotec Botswana remains resilient amid market volatilities, with buoyant copper and gold markets balancing the impact of the diamond market downturn.

The global mining industry has also had to deal with financial challenges stemming from supply chain dynamics, exacerbated by geopolitical factors and other related issues.

Phagane explains that mining companies have had to navigate these challenges by choosing to suspend, or scale down, operations to better manage costs, as well as seeking alternative shipping routes. These operational challenges have downstream impacts on suppliers and service providers, such as Multotec Botswana. In response to this, the company consistently seeks to find innovative and cost-effective ways to support its customers.

“What happens globally, eventually ends up impacting us here locally as well. It has a knock-on effect,” says Phagane.

Pursuing Reliability
With its head office in Letlhakane, in the Central District of Botswana, as well as branches in Orapa and Jwaneng, Multotec Botswana is strategically located near major mining jurisdictions, enabling it to provide timely and customised solutions, and proactive maintenance services, for clients.

While the company aims to be proactive in the provision of preventative maintenance services, Phagane notes that reactive measures are sometimes necessary.

In such cases, having materials readily available locally enables mining operations to address issues swiftly. When planned shutdowns occur, having stock nearby enables Multotec to support clients efficiently.

The company ensures that the materials and items required most frequently, or those likely to be in high demand, are always in stock as much as possible. Phagane adds that, by keeping local inventory, Multotec can reduce lead times.

“When customers need in-person support or mineral processing equipment, our local presence facilitates shorter turnaround times, which is crucial for industries where downtime can be costly and disruptive.”

Further, Phagane emphasises the importance of placing orders for parts and products timeously to ensure as little plant downtime as possible.

Multotec Botswana employs dedicated personnel, currently 100% citizens of Botswana, to track and place orders through its “order-to-cash” process, ensuring smooth progress along the value chain with few interruptions and delays.

Further, Multotec Botswana maintains a dedicated fleet and logistical support infrastructure to ensure timely delivery of goods to clients, regardless of their location.

“With dedicated drivers, trucks and equipment – such as forklifts, Multotec guarantees that orders are delivered promptly and efficiently,” he says, adding that when there are delays or urgent customer requests, orders can be expedited.

As part of the Multotec Group, Multotec Botswana has the flexibility to collaborate with sister companies to fulfil urgent orders.

For instance, if a customer in Botswana urgently requires items, and a sister company has available stock, arrangements can be made to expedite delivery.

Another advantage of belonging to a group of companies is showcased through Multotec Botswana’s access to a pool of skilled personnel and subject-matter experts to assist with technical support and maintenance services. These experts can provide advice and solutions customised to specific client requirements.

Meanwhile, through its advanced condition monitoring tools, Multotec Botswana can predict equipment wear and ensure uninterrupted operation for clients.

Phagane adds that, by closely engaging with customers and understanding their needs, Multotec Botswana assists in identifying gaps and areas for improvement in mineral processing operations.